Online CNA Classes in Michigan: Review & Compare Top Programs
If making personal connections is important to you, then becoming a CNA in Michigan could be your perfect career. Every day, CNAs work side by side with patients to perform daily living tasks, including bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and walking. And becoming a CNA is a fairly quick process with multiple schools in Michigan offering flexible and affordable online CNA classes. This guide will walk you through what the training will entail, how licensing in Michigan works, and what your potential salary could be in this stable profession. Keep reading to take your first step towards becoming a CNA.
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Breaking Down Online CNA Classes in Michigan
Finding the right online CNA classes in Michigan involves doing some research. You’ll need to know which classes are offered online, which are in person, how long the program takes, what the price tag is, and if financial aid is available. With that information in hand, you’ll be ready to choose a CNA program and launch your career.
But don’t stress, we’ve done some of the research for you and rounded up three standout options that offer fast tracks toward becoming a licensed CNA in a nursing home, hospital, or other healthcare facility. Each program is designed so you can fit CNA classwork into your busy schedule. Keep reading to get the details and plan your next step toward becoming a CNA in Michigan.
Nurse Aide Training – Bay College
Bay College offers a 96-hour nurse aide training program. Once the training is completed, students are ready for immediate CNA employment in both Michigan and Wisconsin.
The program is designed for students who want a quick career change to become medical professionals. Students take intensive lectures and lab courses, complete a clinical component, and have access to state exam preparation. After completing the program, students take the standardized nurse aide competency exam. If they pass, graduates will be listed on the state’s Certified Nurse Aide Registry and will officially be CNAs in Michigan. New programs are offered monthly. Bay College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Duration: Three weeks
Mode: On campus
Cost: $905
Admissions Requirements:
- Tuition due in full at the time of registration
- Mandated clothing: navy blue scrubs, white shoes for all class and clinic hours
Curriculum:
- Hygiene
- Bed making
- Shaving
- Dressing/undressing patients
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Certified Nurse Aide Training Program – Grand Rapids Community College
As part of the Certified Nurse Aide Training Program offered by Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), the school works with local employers to ensure graduates are ready to dive right into the job market after finishing the program and after passing the CNA exam for the state of Michigan. Program expectations include that students must be respectful, on time, neat, and able to follow classroom policies. Students are assigned clinical sites within a 200-mile radius of GRCC’s main campus and must complete work at those sites in person to get the hands-on training necessary to graduate. The program has four start dates each year. Financial aid is available. GRCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Duration: Four weeks
Mode: On campus
Cost: $1,069
Admissions Requirements:
- Age 18
- Eligible to work in the U.S.
- ACT WorkKeys assessment with a score of level 3 or higher
- Immunization records
- Computer competency
- Criminal background check
- Certification exam fee
- Mandated clothing
Curriculum:
- Basic Care Skills (i.e. bathing, grooming, feeding)
- Safety
- Mobility for older adult patients
- Patient comfort
- Transportation
CNA Program – Southwestern Michigan College
The Southwestern Michigan College (SMC) CNA program consists of a single 84-hour course that you can take as a noncredit course or a course worth five contact hours. It’s designed to help you gain immediate employment as a CNA upon graduation. SMC’s CNA program includes both theory and lab portions and is available at the Dowagiac or Niles campus.
While no course prerequisites are required to apply for the CNA program at SMC, students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 to be eligible for graduation. Familiarity with medical terminology is helpful. Any student who misses more than four hours of class will be asked to withdraw. SMC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Duration: One semester
Mode: On campus
Cost: $625 for the noncredit class; $1,035 for the for-credit class if you live in Cass County, Michigan, or Keeler or Hamilton Township in Van Buren County, Michigan; $1,268.75 for the for-credit class if you live elsewhere in Michigan; $1,353.75 for the for-credit class if you live outside of Michigan
Admissions Requirements:
- Accuplacer exam, high school GPA of 2.75, SAT reading/writing score of 330, or ACT reading score of 17
- Ability to lift more than 20 pounds
- Criminal background check
- Drug screening
Curriculum:
- Giving baths
- Making beds
- Dressing the patient
- Helping the patient walk
- Taking vital signs
- Preparing meals
- Feeding the patient
Answering Popular Questions from CNA Students
Although becoming a CNA is a quick, straightforward process, you may still have lingering questions. We’ve rounded up the answers prospective students need so you can have as much information as possible to make informed decisions on your path to becoming a CNA.
Are there two-week CNA classes online in Michigan?
Two-week CNA classes are available in Michigan, including the Heart to Heart Healthcare Training class offered in Essexville and Ypsilanti. Classes are offered monthly and are in a hybrid format. Advanced Care Training offers classes that take about two-and-a-half weeks. Lectures are entirely online on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while in-person clinical requirements are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Plan to spend three to four hours per day on classwork. The school also offers a Saturday-only option, which requires eight Saturdays. Four-week online CNA programs are popular as well, including the Certified Nurse Aide Training Program from GRCC.
How do I get a CNA license in Michigan?
To be licensed as a CNA, you’ll need to complete a state-certified training course, pass a CNA competency test, and correctly demonstrate your clinical skills. From there, you can apply for CNA jobs in various medical settings. In some states, if you have experience working in a nursing home you can take the CNA test without completing a training course, but that’s not the case in Michigan. All CNAs must complete a training course that is approved by the state before they are eligible to take the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. In some cases, the cost of the evaluation will be reimbursed by the CNA’s employer. Once you have your license, you’ll need to keep it current by logging 12 continuing education credits each year and renewing your license every 24 months at a cost of $40.
How long does it take to become a CNA in Michigan?
Becoming a CNA in Michigan takes as long as your training course, which typically runs two to four weeks. You can then begin work as a CNA, even before taking or passing your exams. It’s important to note that you’ll need to pass your CNA competency exam within the first four months of your employment as a CNA or you’ll be required to leave your position. You’ll have three attempts to pass the CNA test. If you don’t pass, you’ll have to repeat your training. The test includes two sections, a knowledge test with 60 multiple-choice questions and a clinical skills test in which you demonstrate five skills from a list of 20. If you pass one section but not the other, you’ll only need to retake the section you failed.
How much do CNA classes cost in Michigan?
The cost of CNA classes in Michigan varies widely depending on who offers the course. For instance, Bay College charges $905, making it one of the most affordable options. Advanced Care Training charges $975 for students who aren’t eligible for government funding or scholarships. Heart to Heart Healthcare Training costs $1,050, and GRCC costs $1,069. So overall, the price difference between the various programs is typically about $100. With that in mind, you don’t want to choose your program strictly based on cost. Consider online versus in-person courses, the convenience of campus access, and whether the fee covers your state exam, uniforms, background check, and other required items.
Is free CNA training available in Michigan?
It’s possible to get free CNA training in Michigan, but you’ll need to qualify for scholarships or assistance programs. As you evaluate each potential program, check the school’s financial aid page to see if scholarships or other assistance are available for CNA students. These opportunities aren’t the norm, so most prospective CNAs should count on spending some money to cover the cost of a training course. Luckily, CNA courses are priced around $1,000, and while that’s not an insignificant expense, most students are able to pay installments or save up prior to the class’s start.
Expected Salary & Job Prospects for CNAs in Michigan
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $31,390 | $39,530 | $50,140 |
| Michigan | $35,680 | $38,900 | $45,980 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $36,270 | $39,830 | $44,370 |
| Battle Creek, MI | $35,860 | $38,900 | $51,980 |
| Bay City, MI | $34,110 | $36,850 | $41,940 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $36,570 | $39,080 | $46,470 |
| Flint, MI | $32,770 | $39,120 | $45,590 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $36,130 | $37,270 | $45,490 |
| Jackson, MI | $37,090 | $38,610 | $44,310 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $35,470 | $39,570 | $50,760 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $35,200 | $39,130 | $47,070 |
| Midland, MI | $36,410 | $38,220 | $39,210 |
| Monroe, MI | $35,410 | $37,550 | $44,120 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $35,950 | $37,650 | $42,630 |
| Niles, MI | $35,790 | $37,750 | $48,990 |
| Saginaw, MI | $32,990 | $38,280 | $44,680 |
| Traverse City, MI | $38,100 | $40,710 | $46,120 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,361,300 | 1,417,800 | 56,500 | 4.20% | 202,400 |
| Michigan | 42,680 | 43,170 | 490 | 1.10% | 6,130 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Schools for Online CNA Classes in Michigan
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,090 Avg. Aid Amount
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bay Mills Community College
- BMCC’s Certified Nurse Aide program boasts a 100% pass rate on the Michigan State Nurse Aide Certification exam, demonstrating high student success and program effectiveness.
- The program provides hands-on clinical skills practice before clinical rotations, ensuring students gain practical experience and confidence in real healthcare settings.
- Through a federally funded initiative, BMCC offers job placement support and career training for over 650 individuals, targeting unemployed and veteran populations for direct employment in healthcare roles like Certified Nursing Assistant.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,090 Avg. Aid Amount
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,881 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 23/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Glen Oaks Community College
- The Glen Oaks Nurse Aide Certification program offers clinical placements that provide hands-on experience and ensure success in training.
- Students must complete all required background checks and TB testing, indicating a structured admission process that prioritizes patient safety and compliance.
- The program requires a mandatory online orientation and questionnaire, enhancing student readiness and commitment before registration.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,881 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 23/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College
Baraga, MIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,833 Avg. Aid Amount
- 12% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College
- Students in the Nursing Assistant program can earn dual-enrollment college credits at no cost, enabling a head start on higher education while completing the CNA training.
- The program integrates foundational Anishinaabe cultural content, preparing students to provide culturally sensitive care specifically tailored to tribal community members.
- Clinical experiences occur locally through partnerships with healthcare facilities such as Bayside Village and Baraga County Memorial Hospital, ensuring relevant real-world training and community connections.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,833 Avg. Aid Amount
- 12% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,416 Avg. Aid Amount
- 36% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Washtenaw Community College
- The Nursing Assistant program at Washtenaw Community College offers clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, boosting real-world job readiness.
- Students earn 8 college credits upon completion, which count toward many other health programs, accelerating progression in healthcare careers.
- The program prepares students to sit for the Michigan Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) exam, a key certification for employment in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,416 Avg. Aid Amount
- 36% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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